We were the biggest people, and we ought to have the biggest conceptions.

The biggest conceptions of course would bring forth in time the biggest performances.

We had only to be true to ourselves, to pitch in and not be afraid, to fling Imitation overboard and fix our eyes upon our National Individuality.

"I declare," he cried, "there 's a career for a man, and I 've twenty minds to decide, on the spot, to embrace it--to be the consummate, typical, original, national American artist! It 's inspiring!" Rowland burst out laughing and told him that he liked his practice better than his theory, and that a saner impulse than this had inspired his little Water-drinker.

Roderick took no offense, and three minutes afterwards was talking volubly of some humbler theme, but half heeded by his companion, who had returned to his cogitations.